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Revolutionary War: Battle Box    by Brown Reference Group Amazon.com order for
Revolutionary War
by Brown Reference Group
Order:  USA  Can
Simon & Schuster, 2009 (2009)
Hardcover
* * *   Reviewed by Bob Walch

American history comes alive in this novelty, interactive kit that contains a 64 page book about the American Revolutionary War plus 13 auxiliary pieces that range from flags, coins and maps to soldiers' letters and important political documents.

The booklet provides brief accounts of major battles, time lines, maps, and interesting tidbits about the war. Rather than long narratives the many battles are broken down into the key facts that include the date, location, military commanders, casualties, key actions, and key consequences.

The interactive pieces include a copy of George III's Address to Parliament, the infamous Stamp Act, a map of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Continental paper currency and a Continental Congress Dollar coin, a replica of the flag carried by the Philadelphia Light Horse contingent and Cornwallis' surrender note to George Washington.

Although this kit is intended for youngsters ten years of age and older, I think it will also appeal to anyone interested in American history. This would be an ideal resource for any American history teacher since the memorabilia could be used in the classroom for a wall display.

Since the book does not go into great detail on the battles and major events of the war, this kit is just a starting point to pique the young person's curiosity about the event. There is a detailed bibliography included that will steer the reader to works that go into more depth about the Revolutionary War.

One precautionary note - this kit does pose a choking hazard because of the small pieces included so it must be kept away from small children.

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